Exhaust pipe attachment



May 20, 1947.

w. cuRPHY EXEEH ST PIPE ATTACHMENT F11; ad Get .18 1944 I provide animproved exhaust pipe Patented May 20, 1947 :UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICEEXHAUST PIPE ATTACHIHENT William C. Curphy, Des Moines, Iowa ApplicationOctober 18, 1944, Serial No. 559,327

"' 4 Claims.

This invention relates generally to upright exhaust pipes for tractorsand like vehicles and in particular to an attachment for such exhaustpipe adapted to keep moisture from entering the exhaust pipe when thevehicle is standing idle in the open. l

Tractors now in general use for road construction and farm work usuallyhave their engines provided with upright exhaust pipes which protrudeupwardly through the engine hood a distance such that the exhaust gasesare carried away from the tractor operator. When these tractors are leftin the open with the top of the exhaust pipe left uncovered, rain, snowand the like enters the exhaust pipe and travels therethrough into theengine cylinders. As a result the cylinders, and valves operativelyassociated therewith, are apt to become rusted so as to reduce theirservice life. More important, however, is the fact that when appreciablemoisture becomes entrapped in the cylinder, and the engine is thenstarted, seriou injury generally results to the crank shaft o pistonconnecting rods. This occurs because of the relative non-compressibilityof the moisture and the resultant failure of a piston to move to itsnormal up-strok position. Because of this condition the connecting rodand engine shaft are either bent or broken.

In order to prevent moisture from entering into the engine cylinders itis a usual practice to cover the upper end of the exhaust pipe with acanvas or an inverted tin can. However, this procedure is oftenneglected or forgotten by the tractor operator. As a result exhaust pipecover attachments have been provided which are operatively associatedwith the engine throttle or ignition system to automaticall open theexhaust pipe when the throttle is opened o the ignition system closedand to automatically close the exhaust pipe when the engine is stopped.These devices, however, are generally complicated and are a source ofinconvenience in usual engine service work because of the time requiredfor their removal from and assembly with the exhaust pipe. Further it isapparent that the exhaust pipe will be opened on any accidental openingof the throttle or closing of the ignition as frequently occurs in thecase of children playing on tractors standing idle on a farm.

It is an object of this invention,

cover attachment.

A fur'ther object of this invention is to provide an-attachable coverfor an exhaust pipe which is automatically opened in response to theexhaust therefore, to

pressures in the pipe, and is automatically closed by the action ofgravity on stopping of the engine.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide an attachable coverfor an exhaust pipe which does not interfere with the free passage ofthe exhaust gases from the pipe, and away from the tractor operator. 7

A still further object of this invention i to provide any attachablecover fo an exhaust pipe which is of a simple and compact design,readily and quickly assembled or removed from the exhaust pipe, andautomatically operable to keep moisture out of the exhaust pipe when theengine is at a standstill. k

Further objects, features and advantages of this invention will becomeapparent from the following description when taken in connection withthe accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a fragmentary perspective view of the front portion of atractor showing the attachment of this invention in assembly relationwith an upright exhaust pipe;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of one form of the exhaust pipe attachment of thisinvention;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Fig.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of a second form of the exhaust pipe attachment ofthis invention;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view as seen along the line 5-5 in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a plan view of a third form of the exhaust pipe attachment ofthis invention;

Fig. 7 is a sectional view as seen along the line 1-| in Fig. 6; and

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary side elevation looking toward the left in Fig.'7.

Referring to the drawings there is illustrated in Fig. 1 the frontportion of a tractor having an engine In, an exhaust gas manifold H. andan upright exhaust pipe l2 projected through the top of the engine hood[3. The exhaust pipe attachment of this invention is indicated generallyat 15 in assembly relation with the upper end N5 of the exhaust pipe I2.

With reference to Figs. 2 and 3 there is shown one form of the exhaustpipe attachment of this invention which comprises a lower round tubemember I! concentrically arranged end to end with a square tube l8, withthe adjacent ends l9 and 2| of the tubes l1 and 3, respectively, beingin an overlapped relation. The end IQ of the tube I l is in a spacedrelation Within the end 2| of the tube 18. Spacing members 22 are weldedor otherwise connected at one end to the lower ends 2| of the tube I8,and at their opposite ends to the upper end IQ of the tube It is seen,

therefore, that the space between the tubes l1 7 and I8 is open exceptfor the members 22.

Located within the tube I8 is a flat valve 23 of a substantially squareshape pivotally sup- Ported at 24 to the inner side of the wall 23 ofthe tube l8. As shown in Fig. 3 the pivotal support 24 is at a positionabove the top level of the upper end l9 of the tube H. The valve 23 in aclosed position, indicated in dotted lines at A in Fig. 3, has itsmarginal edge in a spaced relation with the inner peripheral surface ofthe tube l8 and is in a covering relation with the upper end IQ of thetube H. The closed position of the valve 23 is defined by a stop member21 carried on the wall 28 of the tube I8 at a position above the pivotalsupport 24, whereby the valve 23 is sloped downwardly toward the pivotalsupport 24. The valve 23 is pivotally movable upwardly to its dottedline position, indicated at B in Fig.

I 3, in which its free end 29 is located substantially at the top levelof the upper end 3| of the tube |8 for a purpose which will appearlater.

In the assembly of the attachment of Figs. 2 and 3 with the exhaust pipel2, the lower end of the tube I1 is positioned about the upper end l6 ofthe exhaust pipe. This assembly is facilitated by the provision of alongitudinally extended slot 32 in the lower end of the tube H, which isdetachably secured to the exhaust pipe |2 by a usual clamping ring orstrap 33.

In the operation of the attachment assume that the valve 23 is in itsclosed position indicated at A in Fig. 3. On starting of the engine Inthe exhaust gases may initially pass through the tube l1 and outwardlyfrom the tube l8 and to the atmosphere through the space 34 between theadjacent ends I9 and 2| of the tubes l1 and I9, respectively. Thus eventhough the valve 23 is in a closed position it does not effect any backpressure on the engine I when the engine is initially started.

As the engine Ill is operated the pressure of the exhaust gasesdischarged from the exhaust pipe l2 pivotally moves the valve 23 to itsopen position at B in Fig. 3, at which the valve 23 is upright andadjacent to the inner surface of the wall 23 of the tube 28. The exhaustgases are thus free to travel, without an interference from the valve23, through the tubes I1 and 8 and outwardly through the upper end 3| ofthe tube |8 to the atmosphere. By virtue of the free end 29 of the valve23 being substantially at the level of the upper end 3| of the tube Hithere is no deflection of the exhaust gases to either one side or theother of the tube |8 as they are discharged therefrom. The exhaust gasesare thus discharged upwardly from the tube l8 and away from the tractoroperator.

On stopping of the engine l0, and in turn of the passage of exhaustgases through the exhaust pipe l2, the valve 23 is automaticallyreturned to its closed position A by the action of gravity. To assure agravity action on the valve 23 the wall 26 of the tube l8 carries anadjustable stop screw 36 engageable with the valve 23 to define its openposition B. By manipulation of the screw 36 the open position of thevalve 23 is adjusted so that the valve will freely fall to its closedposition A on stopping of the engine l0.

With the engine stopped and the valve 23 in its closed position anymoisture collected on the top of the valve is drained downwardly towardits pivotal support 24 or off the marginal edge of the valve by virtueof the spaced relation of the valve .23 within the tube l8.

The moisture thus collected drains downwardly on the inner peripheralsurface of the tube It and through the space 34 to the top of the enginehood l3. Moisture is thus positively prevented from entering the exhaustpipe I2 and in turn the engine I0. while the valve 23 is automaticallyoperated to its open position B by the pressure of the exhaust gasesdischarged from the exhaust pipe l2, and to its closedv position A bythe action of gravity so as to require no attention by the tractoroperator.

In servicing the engine of a tractor in which the engine exhaust pipe I2is projected through the top of the hood I 3 it is usually necessary toremove the hood l3. This is done by lifting the hood |3 upwardly overthe upper and i6 of the exhaust pipe I2, as indicated at D in Fig. 1 fora lifted position of the hood. Since the attachment is secured to theexhaustpipe l2 only by the clamping ring 33 it is readily and quicklyremoved without requiring to be disconnected from operating portions ofthe engine I0, such as the throttle or ignition system. Further -becausethe valve 23, in both an open and closed position, is within the tube l8it is not exposed to the action of wind. As a result any possibility ofthe valve 23 being opened by wind, when the engine I9 is at astandstill, is entirely eliminated.

The form of the inventionshown in Figs. 4 and 5 is similar in manyrespects to the attachment shown in Figs. 2 and 3 so that like numeralsof reference will be used to designate corresponding parts. Referring toFigs. 4 and 5 the attachment comprises a tube I'I provided with a slot32 and a clamping ring 33. The tube I1 is concentrically arranged end toend with an upper round tube 39, and with the adjacent ends l9 and 4| ofthe tubes l1 and 39, respectively, being in a spaced relation. Thisarrangement of the tubes l1 and 39 is maintained by a perforated fiatring 42 connected between the outer periphcry of the tube l1 and theinner periphery of the lower end l9 of the tube 39.

A substantially concave-convex valve 43 of circular shape within thetube 39 is pivotally supported adjacent one end 44 on the tube 39 at aposition above the upper end IQ of the tube H. The valve 43, in itsclosed position indicated in full lines in Fig. 5, is in a coveringrelation with the upper end l9 of the tube l1, and is pivotally movableupwardly to an open position, indicated in dotted lines at E, which isdefined by an adjustable stop screw 36. The operation of the valve 43 issimilar in all respects to the valve 23 in Fig. 3 so that a furtherdiscussion of such operation is believed to be unnecessary.

With the valve 43 in its closed position any moisture collected on thetop thereof is drained downwardly over its marginal edge and through theperforated ring 42 to the top of the hood l3 whereby the moisture isprevented from entering the exhaust pipe l2.

In the form of the invention shown in Figs. 6', 7 and 8 the constructionof the tube l1 and its assembly with the upper end l6 of the exhaustpipe I2 is similar in all respects to that previously described inconnection with Figs. 3 and 5. The tube I1 is concentrically arranged inan end to end relation with a tube 46 of a substantially square shapeexcept for a rounded side portion 41, with the adjacent ends l9 and 48of the tubes l1 and 46, respectively, being in an overlapped relation.The. tubes l1 and 46 are retained in this arrangement by a flatconnecting member 49 connected between the outer periphery of the tubel1 and the inner periphery of the lower end 48 of the tube 45.

A pivoted valve 5! located within the tube 46 is oi a fiat form with acontour corresponding to the cross sectional shape of the tube 46, andhas a rounded free end portion 52 arranged oppositely from a fiat endportion 53 which is ad? lacent to the straight wall 54 of the tube 48.The end 53 of the valve 5| is pivotaily connected at 56 to one side 55of a gutter member 51, extended about the inner periphery of the tube46, with the pivot 56 being above the level of the upper end iii of thetube IT.

The valve in its closed position F, shown in dotted lines in Fig. 7, isin with the upper end I 9 of the tube l1 and slopes downwardly towardits pivotal support 55. This closed position is defined by theengagement of the valve 5| with the U-shaped portion 60 of the gutter51, which portion constitutes a stop for the valve 5|. The valve ispivotally movable upwardly to an open position, indicated in dottedlines at G in Fig. 7, defined by the screw 36 which is adjustablysupported in the wall 54; The operation of the valve 5| is in all wayssimilar to the operation of the valve 23 in Fig. 3.

With the valve 5| in the closed position F any moisture collected on thetop thereof is drained into the gutter member 51 which slopes downwardlytoward the gutter side 55 which is adjacent to the tube wall 54. Thewall 54, opposite the gutter side 55, is formed with apertures 58 (Fig.8) for draining the moisture from the gutter to the outside of the tube46, and in turn to the outside of the tube l1 and exhaust pipe l2. Themoisture thus drained drops on the engine hood i3. The gutter 51provides for a directed flow of the collected moisture to one side orthe other of the exhaust pipe 12 which may be desirable in those caseswhere a magneto or the like (not shown), operatively associated with theengine i0, may be located near the lower end of the exhaust pipe I2.

Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respectto several embodiments thereof it is to be understood that it is not tobe so limited since changes and modifications can be made therein whichare within the full intended scope of this invention as defined by theappended claims.

I claim:

a covering relation 1. The combination with an upright exhaust pipe foran engine, of an attachment for keeping moisture from entering the upperend of said exhaust pipe when the engine is not operated, including apair of tube members one of which is of a greater diameter than theother, with said other tube having its lower end adapted to bepositioned about the upper end of said exhaust pipe, and said one tubehaving its lower end positioned about the upper end of said other tube,

means supporting said one tube in a spaced relation on said other tube,a single pivoted valve member within said one tube, means pivotallysupporting said valve adjacent one end on said one tube, said valve, ina closed position, being in a covering relation with the top of saidother tube, and in an open position being extended upwardly within theconfines of said one tube, with the marginal edge of said valve being ina spaced relation with the inner peripheral surface of said one tubewhereby any moisture collected on the upper surface of said valve isgravity drained to the outside of said other tube, said .valve beingmoved to an open'position in response to the pressure of the exhaustgases discharged from said exhaust pipe, and a .stop portion on said onetube for defining the open position of said valve to provide for themovement of the valve to a closed position by the action of gravity.

2. The combination with an upright exhaust pipe for an engine, of anattachment for keeping moisture from entering the upper end of theexhaust pipe when the engine is at a standstill, comprising a round tubemember adapted to be positioned about the upper end of the exhaust pipe,a substantially square shaped. tube positioned about the upper end ofsaid round tube and projected upwardly from said round tube, means forsupporting said square tube in a spaced relation on said round tube, apivoted valve within said square tube, means pivotally supporting saidvalve on said square tube above the level of the top end of said roundtube for pivotal movement to a closed position in a covering relationwith the top end of said round tube, and to an open upright positionwithin the confines of said square tube, stop means on said square tubefor defining the closed position of said valve to provide for the valve,when in a closed position, being inclined downwardly toward the pivotedend thereof, with the marginal edge of said valve, in a closed position,being in a spaced relation with the inner peripheral surface of saidsquare tube whereby any moisture collected on the top side of the valveis gravity drained to the outside of said round tube, said valve beingpivotally moved to an open position by the pressure of the exhaust gasesdischarged from said exhaust pipe, and to a closed position by theaction of gravity.

3. The combination with an upright exhaust pipe for an engine, ofanattachment for keeping moisture from entering the upper end of theexhaust pipe when the engine is at a standstill comprising a pair ofround tube members, one of which is of a greater diameter than theother, concentrically arranged end to end and with their adjacent endsin an overlapped relation, with the outer end of said other tube adaptedto be positioned about the upper end of said exhaust pipe, a perforatedring connected between said adjacent ends to maintain said pair of tubesin said concentric arrangement, a pivoted valve within said one tube,means pivotally supporting said valve adjacent one end on said one tube,said valve in a closed position being in a covering relation with theadjacent end of said other tube and having the marginal edge thereof ina spaced relation with the inner peripheral surface of said one tube,and in an open position being extended upwardly from the one end thereofand within the confines of said one tube, with the valve being of acurved contour such that in a closed position it is curved upwardlywhereby any moisture collected thereon is gravity drained to the outsideof said other tube through said perforated ring, said valve being movedto an open position by the pressure of the exhaust gases discharged fromsaid exhaust pipe, and to a closed position by the action of gravity.

4 The combination with an upright exhaust pipe for an engine, of anattachment for keeping moisture from entering the upper end of theexhaust pipe when the engine is at a standstill, comprising a first tubemember of round shape adapted to be positioned about the upper end ofsaid exhaust pipe, a second tube member positioned about the upper endof said first tube member and projected upwardly from said first tubemember, said second tube member being of a sub stantialiy square shapehaving one side of an outwardly curved contour, means for supportingsaid second tube member in a spaced relation on said first member, apivoted valve in said second tube having a shape corresponding to thecross sectional shape of said second tube, means pivotally supportingsaid valve adjacent one end on the I side of said second tube oppositesaid curved one side, said valve in a closed position being in acovering relation with the top end of said one tube, and in an openposition being extended upwardly from said valve supporting means withinthe confines of said second tube, a moisture receiving gutter extendedabout the inner peripheral surface of said second tube and constitutinga stop for defining the closed position of said valve, said gutterhaving side portions sloped downwardly from the curved one side of saidsecond tube to said opposite side thereof, and said opposite side havingopenings therein for draining moisture collected in said gutter to theoutside of said second tube, with the marginal edge of said valve beingin a spaced relation with said inner peripheral surface whereby anymoisture collected on the top side of said valve is gravity drained intosaid gutter, said valve being moved to an open position by the pressureof the exhaust gases discharged through said exhaust pipe, and v to aclosed position by the action of gravity.

WILLIAM C. CURPHY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are'o! record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS

